REVIEW: Preacher – “Monster Swamp”

The following is a quick review of the fourth episode of ‘Preacher’, available on AMC in the United States and on Viaplay in Denmark. Expect spoilers for the episode.

In the fourth episode of Preacher (“Monster Swamp”), Jesse (played by Dominic Cooper) tries to get people to go to church. Tulip (played by Ruth Negga) runs into Cassidy (played by Joseph Gilgun), who is trying to trick the cowboys/angels/clones. And we, finally get to see more of Odin Quincannon (played by Jackie Earle Haley).

I really liked the episode opener/teaser. It really felt like a horror movie, and they were definitely going for that (even the music was overdramatic). But the paintball-game/horror-scene ended very badly for one young lady. At first, I was really confused here. But eventually it became clear that this was the episode that they were going to talk about Jackie Earle Haley’s character.

And, of course, it also made Tulip pretty upset. Tulip’s aggression was too much to control, and I love how we finally got to see Cassidy and Tulip in a scene together. I’m sure Cassidy wasn’t too pleased with what happened, at first, but I loved their scenes together. Cassidy had another strong episode, and he has become my favorite character in the show.

Before I get to the sermon, let’s talk about the flashbacks. I think this was the first time that I noticed who was playing Jesse’s dad. Nathan Darrow was great in House of Cards (everyone loves Meechum), and I hope we get to see a lot of John Custer in the episodes to come. By the way, I’m pretty sure AMC just aired an episode where the dad whips his own son with a belt, on the American Father’s Day. Correct me if I’m wrong.

“The world is turning to shit. And you know what? It’s all your fault. You’ve turned your back on the Lord.” – Jesse Custer.

Jesse finally had the citizens of Annville where he wanted them. Now he had an opportunity to ‘convert the sinners’. And he really didn’t pull any punches. It was a pretty cool scene, but what happened next was even better.

“SERVE GOD.” – Jesse Custer.

“Will you serve God?” – Jesse Custer.

“Of course I will. Yes, Sir.” – Odin Quincannon.

Jesse knew that if he wanted to ‘convert the sinners’, then he needed to convert the leader of the community first. Not the mayor, but Quincannon. He’s a tough guy. You don’t get Jackie Earle Haley to play ‘just another CEO’. Honestly, for a moment I didn’t expect Jesse’s word to work on Odin. That’s how convincing Jackie Earle Haley is.

Honestly, I had forgotten that there was a new episode of Preacher. Monster Swamp was a fun little episode that managed to advance the plot, without really answering the many questions it has to address at some point. Okay, I’ll admit that I’m still a bit disappointed with how the show is presenting the overall premise, but, for now, I really like seeing Jesse Custer trying to ‘influence’ the people of Annville.